The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Pop 9 4G and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent two compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Tecno Pop 9 4G offers regional chipset variations, while the Samsung Galaxy A05s focuses on a streamlined experience with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 680. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A05s is the better choice. Its more efficient Snapdragon 680 (6nm) chipset, coupled with a brighter display and faster 25W charging, provides a smoother and more enjoyable experience despite the Tecno's potential regional CPU advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, November 22 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, November 26 | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166 x 77 x 8 mm (6.54 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz (India), 120Hz (International) | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) - InternationalOcta-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 - India | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T615 (12 nm) - InternationalMediatek Helio G50 - India | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 - InternationalPowerVR GE8320 - India | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glittery White, Lime Green, Startrail Black | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet |
| Models | KL4h | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | About 70 EUR | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 9 4G
- Potentially higher CPU clock speed (India variant with Helio G50)
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Regional availability
- Less efficient chipset (Unisoc T615/Helio G50)
- Limited display information
- Slower charging (15W)
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 (6nm)
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- Faster 25W charging
- Longer battery life (11:32h active use)
- Potentially higher price
- Lower peak CPU clock speed compared to India variant of Tecno
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 468 nits, compared to an unlisted value for the Tecno Pop 9 4G. This brightness advantage translates to better outdoor visibility. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A05s’ 1418:1 contrast ratio suggests a more vibrant image. The lack of display specifications for the Tecno Pop 9 4G makes a detailed comparison difficult, but Samsung clearly holds an advantage in display quality.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Samsung Galaxy A05s’ camera specifications are not detailed enough to provide a comprehensive analysis, but the focus should be on the main sensor’s performance. The Tecno Pop 9 4G’s camera details are also limited. Given the price point, image quality will likely be similar in good lighting conditions, but the Samsung’s image processing algorithms are generally more refined. The prevalence of low-resolution auxiliary cameras (often 2MP) on both devices suggests limited utility beyond marketing.
Performance
This is where the core difference lies. The Samsung Galaxy A05s utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), featuring a Kryo CPU with a peak clock speed of 2.4 GHz. This 6nm process node is significantly more efficient than the Unisoc T615 (12nm) found in the international version of the Tecno Pop 9 4G. While the Unisoc T615’s Cortex-A75 cores offer a higher peak frequency (1.8 GHz vs 1.9 GHz on the A05s’ Kryo Silver cores), the Snapdragon 680’s architecture and process node provide superior sustained performance and thermal management. The Indian variant of the Tecno Pop 9 4G uses a MediaTek Helio G50 with a 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, which is less efficient and powerful than the Snapdragon 680. The Snapdragon 680’s Adreno 610 GPU also provides a more capable graphics experience.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s shines in battery life, achieving an active use score of 11 hours and 32 minutes. While the Tecno Pop 9 4G’s battery capacity is unlisted, the Snapdragon 680’s 6nm efficiency gives the A05s a significant advantage. Furthermore, the A05s supports 25W wired charging, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the Tecno Pop 9 4G’s 15W charging. This faster charging is crucial for users who need to quickly replenish their battery throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 9 4G if you prioritize potential CPU performance in India (with the Helio G50) and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you value consistent performance, a brighter and more usable display, faster charging, and the reliability of the Samsung brand, even if it means sacrificing peak CPU clock speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T615 in the Tecno Pop 9 4G struggle with multitasking?
The Unisoc T615, with its 12nm process, is less efficient than the Snapdragon 680. While it can handle basic multitasking, demanding apps or numerous open applications may lead to noticeable slowdowns and lag. The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm process and optimized architecture provide a smoother multitasking experience.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A05s with the 25W charger?
While Samsung doesn't provide an exact 0-100% charging time, with the included 25W charger, you can expect a full charge in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the Tecno Pop 9 4G’s 15W charging, which will likely take over 3 hours.
❓ Is the camera on either phone suitable for low-light photography?
Neither phone excels in low-light photography. Both likely utilize budget sensors and lack optical image stabilization (OIS). Expect noisy images with limited detail in challenging lighting conditions. The Samsung Galaxy A05s may offer slightly better results due to its potentially more refined image processing, but don't expect flagship-level performance.
